NEU Calls for Statutory Ban on School Phones Amid Survey Findings

In England, the majority of schools have already instituted restrictions on mobile phone use, with a recent survey revealing that 99.8% of primary and 90% of secondary schools have some form of ban. Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), has called for a statutory ban on phones in schools, citing concerns over online harm and the damaging impact of unrestricted access to harmful content. Meanwhile, Dame Rachel de Souza, England's children's commissioner, emphasizes that any bans should be at the discretion of individual headteachers rather than imposed by the government. Her survey indicates that despite existing policies, children are still spending significant time online outside school hours, highlighting the need for broader parental support in managing online activities. In a related development, Perth and Kinross Council in Scotland has introduced a complete ban on mobile phones during lessons, emphasizing the need to safeguard children from inappropriate use. This policy, backed by local government guidance, aims to create a framework for responsible behavior among students while recognizing their rights.